Huntsville International Airport continues its upward trajectory, posting its busiest February on record, as passenger growth and cargo activity remain strong in North Alabama.
A total of 122,433 passengers traveled through the airport in February, according to a monthly report presented to the Huntsville-Madison County Airport Authority.
That figure represents a 4.4% increase over February 2025, continuing a multi-year trend of record-setting travel at the airport.
Year-to-date, Huntsville International has served 237,973 passengers, putting traffic 1.6% ahead of last year’s pace.
Airport officials noted that passenger totals have exceeded prior-year levels in 11 of the past 14 months, underscoring sustained demand.
Nearly all airlines serving Huntsville reported increased passenger volumes. American Airlines was the only carrier to post a slight decline, down 1.3%.
Despite that dip, American Airlines remains the airport’s largest carrier, accounting for more than 36% of passenger traffic. Delta follows closely at more than 35%, with United Airlines making up about 21%.
Low-cost carriers continue to gain ground. Breeze Airways saw the largest increase, with passenger totals up 44.4% year-over-year. Breeze and the airport’s newest airline, Allegiant, together accounted for roughly 7% of February traffic.
Airport officials attributed the continued growth to both population increases in the Huntsville area and a shift in travel patterns. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, business travel made up roughly 70% of traffic. In recent years, leisure travel has accounted for about half.
Early indicators suggest momentum will continue into March, with increased passenger volume during spring break travel, according to airport officials.
Officials also said the airport has not experienced disruptions related to the partial government shutdown and reported normal conditions at TSA checkpoints. Travelers are encouraged to arrive 90 minutes to two hours before departure.
In addition to passenger growth, cargo activity showed significant gains.
Air cargo totaled 6,921,952 pounds in February, a 43% increase compared to the same month last year. Year-to-date freight is up 39.6%.
Rail cargo, however, declined during the same period.
The airport recorded 2,077 rail lifts in February, down 22.7% year-over-year, with year-to-date rail traffic decreasing 33.8%.
Airport leadership has previously indicated that tariffs implemented during the Trump administration have contributed to declines in rail cargo activity.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today
